At Premier Catch, we believe knowing where your seafood comes from, and how it’s caught, matters more than ever.
But here’s something most people don’t realize: even though the United States waters are home to some of the richest, most sustainable fisheries in the world, a huge percentage of our wild seafood is exported overseas. Meanwhile, the U.S. imports most of the seafood sold in grocery stores and restaurants.
This seafood paradox leaves many consumers wondering: How does this make sense? And more importantly: What can I do to make better choices? Let’s dive in.
Why the U.S. Exports So Much of Its Wild Catch
Each year, American fishermen harvest millions of pounds of premium wild seafood, salmon, crab, halibut, black cod, and more, from our cold, clean waters. Yet about 70% of that seafood is sent abroad, especially to countries where wild American seafood is considered a luxury.
Why?
It’s simple economics. Global demand for wild-caught U.S. seafood is high, and international buyers often pay top dollar for quality products like Alaskan salmon and Dungeness crab. Meanwhile, many American companies opt to import cheaper, farmed, or lower-grade seafood to sell domestically at lower prices.
It’s a broken system that favors profits over local communities, food quality, and sustainability.
What Consumers Get When They Buy Imported Seafood
When you buy seafood without knowing its source, there’s a good chance it’s imported — and that usually comes with compromises:
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Lower quality: Imported seafood is often farmed or frozen multiple times before it reaches your plate.
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Unknown practices: Many foreign fisheries have little oversight, with weak regulations around sustainability, labor practices, and food safety.
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Environmental costs: Seafood flown halfway around the world racks up a massive carbon footprint.
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Economic loss: Money that could be supporting American fishing families and coastal economies leaves our shores.
Not all imported seafood is bad — but much of it is a gamble you don’t need to take.
Environmental and Economic Reasons to Buy American
When you buy U.S. wild seafood, you’re making a powerful impact:
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Support sustainable fisheries: American fisheries are among the most strictly managed and sustainable in the world. (Think Alaska’s wild fisheries, certified sustainable for decades.)
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Boost local economies: Your purchase supports small fishing families, coastal communities, and American jobs.
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Protect the environment: U.S. fishing regulations protect marine ecosystems better than almost anywhere else globally.
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Enjoy higher quality seafood: Wild American seafood is prized for its flavor, nutrition, and purity — you’ll taste the difference.
Buying American seafood isn’t just about patriotism. It’s about choosing healthier oceans, stronger communities, and better food.
How Premier Catch Makes It Easy
At Premier Catch, we’re proud to be part of the solution.
Our mission is simple:
Bring 100% wild, American-caught seafood straight to your door — no middlemen, no mystery.
We partner directly with trusted fishermen in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, sourcing only the highest-quality wild seafood. Every fillet, crab leg, shrimp, and scallop we sell is:
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Sustainably harvested in U.S. waters
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Flash-frozen at peak freshness
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Traceable to the source
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Delivered to you with care
By choosing Premier Catch, you’re making a statement:
You value quality, sustainability, and the hardworking American fishing families who make it possible.
Shop Our Wild American Seafood:
At Premier Catch, we're making it easier, and tastier, to buy U.S. wild seafood and feel good about every bite.
Ready to stock your freezer with the best American seafood? Shop now.
